Idol Leaderboard: Ranking the Top 5!

The American Idol Top 5 will tackle two songs apiece tonight — one from the ’60s and one “current” hit — during tonight’s 90-minute “Now & Then”-themed telecast. (Click here to check out my dream setlist for the evening.) I’ve taken the liberty of ranking the remaining quintet of contestants, so check out my countdown, then head to our poll to vote for your favorite, and hit the comments to justify your pick. And for all my Idol news and commentary, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV.

4. Lauren Alaina (Last Week No. 4) | Now starring in the Disney original picture From Lauren to Lauren, about an insecure girl with a powerful voice whose loyal Uncles Nigel and Jimmy give her the confidence she needs to make her dreams come true. Frankly, we’d rather just see her pick a good song and sing the bejeezus out of it.

3. Haley Reinhart (Last Week No. 3) | Suffered earpiece and sound-mix issues but still delivered a soulful, emotionally connected “Beautiful.” This, of course, prompted Randy to fling his negative dung, and Jimmy to follow up on results night with a pointed criticism and a prediction of possible elimination. They’ve already run her over with the bus, but now they’re backing it up to make sure she’s truly dead!

2. Scotty McCreery (Last Week No. 1) | Followed uninspired “Swingin'” with a tender, textured “You’ve Got a Friend” — his best live performance to date. Naturally, Jimmy responded by questioning the power of subtlety. Here’s hoping Scotty wasn’t listening.

1. James Durbin (Last Week No. 2) | Never hit bottom three, and had his “Idol Moment” during Carole King Week. Consistent, and consistently entertaining. Momentum is on his side.

Okay, TVLine readers, it’s your turn. Vote for your favorite in our Idol Leaderboard poll, then sound off in the comments on how you’d rank the whole Top 5. Ready, set, prognosticate!